Massage during pregnancy is a therapeutic type of bodywork that is designed to address the needs of the pregnant woman as her body goes through the typical changes of gestation. Massage can be received in all stages of pregnancy and is very safe and often recommended by medical physicians, obstetricians, midwives and other related professionals. The gentle, noninvasive approach of prenatal massage can ease discomfort associated with pregnancy, help the mother-to-be prepare for labor, and give her nurturing emotional support.
Studies have shown many maternal and newborn benefits when a relaxing massage is incorporated into regular prenatal care. Regular massage is the way to go throughout your pregnancy and you’re allowed to have massages as often as you like.
Postnatal massage is designed to help restore the body back to its normal condition. It addresses the stress of carrying and caring for a newborn. After the euphoria of bringing a child into the world, the adrenalin and emotions of the labor itself, it can be an ecstatic, yet overwhelming few days. Then with a mother’s milk coming in, settling into a new routine and tending to the often demanding needs of a new bundle of joy, it is extremely important to ensure that a mother’s needs are not ignored. Through postnatal massage the vital energy that is lost during labor is replenished.
By balancing a woman’s emotional state, and easing any post labor related aches and pains, the bond and connection between mother, child and partner is strengthened, and allows for much more enjoyment.
What is Pregnancy Massage?
Massage during pregnancy is therapeutic bodywork, which focuses on the special needs of the mother-to-be as her body goes through the dramatic changes of the childbirth experience.
What are the benefits of receiving prenatal massage?
Prenatal massage has numerous positive effects on both mental and physiological functioning, assisting women to experience low incidence of pain and anxiety during pregnancy:
Are there precautions with receiving prenatal massage?
Yes, it is recommended to receive prenatal massage only from a certified prenatal massage therapist to ensure you and baby are best cared for. Many corporate spas offer prenatal massage performed by massage therapists who have only minimal in-house training and are not certified in prenatal massage. If you are experiencing any of the following conditions it is advisable to get clearance from your primary care physician prior to receiving massage: *Severe Nausea *Fever Over 100 *Continual Abdominal Pain *Sudden Gush of Water *Very Frequent Burning Urination *Increased and Unusual Thirst With Reduced Urination and Blurring of Vision *Spotting or Bleeding *Malignancy *Inflammation *Tendency to Clot *Tendency to Hemorrhage* Pre-Clampsia
I am in my first trimester - is it safe to receive prenatal massage?
Yes, prenatal massage is available and safe during all three trimesters. There is a common misconception that massage is not advisable during the first trimester, mostly as a result of many spas not offering it (due to fears of liability, as miscarriage rates are generally higher in the first trimester). The next ten weeks holds the most critical development of your baby, and prenatal massage offers many benefits and helps you manage your pregnancy proactively.
What are the benefits of prenatal massage during each trimester?
Conception – Massage is particularly useful for enhancing fertility by clearing toxins and stagnant energy.
1st Trimester – Prenatal massage offers a nurturing and soothing touch when fatigue and nausea can be severe.
2nd Trimester -Prenatal massage care becomes essential for relieving the physical tensions and stress of the second trimester when energy levels return and baby’s growth is more noticeable.
3rd Trimester – Prenatal massage is healing and restorative by aiding with sleep, alleviating headaches, back, hip and neck pain, sciatic issues and preparation for birthing. Prenatal massage helps encourage circulation of fluid, which can become painfully lodged in the hands and feet. Prenatal massage promotes a deep, meditative, relaxed state, which is a powerful tool for achieving a natural labor. For most women, prenatal massage during the 3rd trimester is essential to coping with the physical and emotional stress of carrying the baby.
In what position will I lie on the massage table for prenatal massage?
Side-lying and semi-reclined positions are the safest, most supported positions for receiving prenatal massage. Tables with cut-outs, while they can provide some immediate relief, do not adequately support the inguinal and round ligaments during pregnancy. Lying prone (face-down) creates an accentuated lumbar curve, which can contribute to increased low back pain and sciatic issues.
What parts of my body will be massaged?
This will depend on your personal preferences and the goals for your massage which will be discussed with you prior to your session. Please advise if you have specific areas you want to focus on, or if there are areas you want avoided. If desirable, gentle abdominal massage is highly beneficial during pregnancy to aid with digestion, help avoid stretch marks, clear emotional energy (solar plexus) and to connect with your precious baby.
What type of massage pressure do you use?
Prenatal massage pressure is customized based on your comfort level and health requirements, taking care around key acupressure points. There are some areas of your body where deep pressure may be used, and others where extra care and a medium-soft pressure is used. Once you reach your due-date it is possible to work deeply on all uncompromised areas and to stimulate all acupressure points.
Is it safe to get deep tissue massage during pregnancy?
Absolutely! Your lower back, shoulders and hips can get very tight during pregnancy and you may need some deep work. It’s advisable to go to a qualified prenatal massage therapist when getting deep work done because there are acupressure points that should be avoided during pregnancy. As everyone is unique, and pregnancy ailments vary, your massage will focus on what you need most. Deep tissue massage during pregnancy should be extremely slow and mindful. Mamaseuse has developed a technique, over the years, for working with pregnant women that is very safe and effective at releasing deep tension. Massage techniques can include a combination of gentle lymphatic and swedish strokes for relaxation and cirulatory benefits, deep tissue and myofascial massage on the areas you are experiencing tension and pain in the muscle tissue. Gentle acupressure and craniosacral energy work to restore balance and leave you feeling integrated in body and mind.
How soon after birth am l able to get a massage?
As soon as you feel ready! A postnatal massage can be extremely beneficial right after giving birth. Your body, mind and spirit have been through so much and a massage can help you get back into balance, flush your body of possible toxic medications used in child-birth, by aiding in lymph flow, and also support your emotional well-being. It is also helpful with insomnia, speeding up recovery time, soothing emotions, restoring balance and working out any specific tension or pain. Postnatal massage is performed in-tune with mama’s physical and emotional needs.
Postnatal massage is designed to help restore the body to its pre-pregnant condition. It also addresses the stress of carrying and caring for a newborn. It can speed the recovery by bringing relief of sore muscles and help the mother to relax more easily. Abdominal massage helps shrink the uterus and relieve subcutaneous scar tissue. It may be given as early as 24 hours after delivery in a vaginal delivery, but only with written permission from your doctor or midwife. You might not be able to lie directly on your tummy right after child-birth, particularly after having a c-section, so you be will positioned you on your side with pillows, as is done during a prenatal massage.
What position can I lie on the massage table for postnatal massage?
Depending whether you are breast-feeding or have had a C-section, you may find that lying on your stomach is not yet comfortable. Side-lying and semi-reclined positions are highly effective for postnatal massage and can be performed with baby on the table (for nursing/comfort) if desired.
What is the difference between a 60 minute and 90 minute massage?
The longer the massage naturally the more time and attention each area of your body will receive.
60 minute session: Allows time for a full-body massage. If you have a problem area needing extra attention you may like to consider a 90 minute massage that focuses longer on key areas.
90 minute session: Allows time for a full-body massage as well as additional focus time on multiple problem areas of your body. 90 minutes allow for a comprehensive session.
How often should I receive a massage?
This will largely depend on what you’re experiencing in your body and the urgency of care required. For regular maintenance, once a week or twice a month is recommended. For specific issues, such as sciatica, edema, specific back or neck pain and other ailments, the more often you receive a massage you will experience a more significant impact on your well-being.
Do you offer gift certificates?
Yes! Prenatal or Postnatal massages make amazing gifts for mommy-to-be at the baby shower, or for mommy to relax and recover after giving birth.
